Jiraiya, observing the battle from a distance, shifted his gaze between Haruno Sakura and Tsunade. A bead of sweat rolled down his temple as he swallowed hard. Sakura's devastating punch had cratered the training ground—an unmistakable mark of Tsunade's monstrous strength. There was no doubt now. Sakura had inherited her master's true legacy.
"This girl… she's the spitting image of you in your prime, Tsunade," Jiraiya muttered. "That strength… she's definitely got your technique down."
Tsunade, arms folded, smirked proudly. "She's more than just a bruiser, too. Sakura's chakra control is exceptional. She's mastered the Strength of a Hundred Seal preparation. I taught her everything I know in medical ninjutsu—and she's already surpassed what I expected."
Jiraiya nodded, eyes back on the fight. Kakashi, analyzing the terrain, was now keeping a sharp eye on Sakura. He wasn't surprised anymore—Sakura's refined chakra control was enabling her to focus enormous power into single strikes, a feat few could replicate. Originally a genjutsu-type with keen intellect, she'd become a combat medic with elite-level potential.
"Sakura could very well reach Kage-level one day," Kakashi thought. And as her former sensei, that gave him pride—but also reminded him that in today's test, he couldn't afford to go easy.
On the battlefield, Naruto glanced subtly at Sakura. She caught the look instantly and veered right, working to create a pincer formation against Kakashi.
"Shadow Clone Jutsu!" Naruto shouted, forming the cross seal.
Bang!
Two clones appeared, flanking him. Kakashi's eye twitched slightly. "Is he going to try that old numbers trick again?" he wondered. Still, he remained cautious.
One of the clones charged in recklessly. Kakashi parried the first blow and countered with a spinning heel kick, dissipating the clone in a puff of smoke. The second clone came in fast, only to be taken out mid-charge by a well-placed shuriken.
But then—
Whoosh!
A shadow passed above him. Kakashi's Sharingan spun rapidly. "Above—!"
Naruto, the real one, descended from above, a glowing Rasengan in hand.
"Got you!" he shouted.
Kakashi didn't counter with his Chidori. That jutsu consumed too much chakra. He preferred conserving energy in prolonged skirmishes—especially with his Sharingan already draining him.
Instead, he engaged in taijutsu, twisting his body mid-air to block Naruto's wrist—but something was off.
Poof!
The Naruto he struck exploded into smoke.
"Another clone?!"
Before he could process it, the Rasengan itself morphed and expanded outward—transforming into the real Naruto, who lunged for the bells at Kakashi's waist.
Kakashi cursed silently. "He used a clone as the Rasengan disguise—clever!"
Quickly, Kakashi slammed his hands into the ground.
"Earth Style: Headhunter Jutsu!"
The ground beneath him shifted and swallowed him up, leaving only his head visible. He rapidly dug backward to retreat. It was just in time—the bells jingled as Naruto's fingertips brushed them.
Watching from a distance, Tsunade clapped once, visibly impressed.
"That was smart. He used two clones as decoys, and while Kakashi focused on them, he swapped the Rasengan with a third clone while hiding in it. Saved chakra, distracted the target, and nearly took the bells," she remarked.
Jiraiya chuckled softly, arms crossed. "The boy's learning. That tactic? That's not something the old Naruto would've thought of."
"You've both grown so much," Kakashi said as he reappeared from the ground. His voice was calm but firm. "I won't go easy on you."
"You're amazing, Naruto!" Sakura cheered, nearly starry-eyed. "Your tactics are nothing like before. That was some serious misdirection!"
Naruto grinned. "We'll get those bells, believe it."
Sakura's admiration was genuine. She remembered a time when Naruto charged in blindly, shouting and swinging without strategy. Now, he showed the composure and planning of a true shinobi. She clenched her fists in determination. No way she was going to be left behind.
Her thoughts drifted briefly. I wonder how Sasuke is doing now… But she quickly snapped back. No, focus. This is the real fight.
Just then, Naruto turned to Kakashi with a smirk.
"Kakashi-sensei… why are you being stingy with your chakra today?"
Kakashi's face twitched, the comment hitting a sore spot. "You brat… saying things you shouldn't!"
The remark wasn't wrong—Kakashi's chakra pool was limited, and he had to pace himself carefully, especially with the Sharingan always active.
Still, he wouldn't let the kids get cocky. He reassessed their capabilities. Sakura's strength was now deadly; Naruto's tactical creativity and control were dangerously effective. But Kakashi was a veteran. He wasn't down yet.
Naruto and Sakura regrouped. Kakashi hadn't yet seen the full extent of Naruto's Sage Mode or the enhanced precision of his new training. That was still hidden, for now.
"This is just getting started," Naruto said calmly, eyes glinting with determination.
And from the way Kakashi squared his stance, Sharingan still spinning, it was clear he felt the same.